Sustainable Rural Ecological Environments: An Investigation of Agricultural Tourism Integration in Hunan Province, China

Abstract

Aims: The integration of agriculture and tourism represents a pivotal breakthrough point in realizing rural revitalization. To ensure sustainable development and attain ecological livability, there is a pressing need to investigate the impact mechanism of agricultural tourism integration on rural ecological environments. Study Design: This study examines the current state of agricultural tourism integration and ecological livability in Hunan Province, China. The research constructs an influence mechanism to assess the impact of agricultural tourism integration on the rural ecological environment, utilizing empirical data covering the cities and prefectures of Hunan Province from 2015 to 2021. Results: Our findings indicate a significant correlation between agricultural tourism integration and the rural ecological environment. However, whether such integration has a positive effect on the environment depends on the availability of scientific and reasonable development plans. Conclusion: The results of this research offer critical insight into the impacts of agricultural tourism integration on rural ecological environments. In particular, the data demonstrate the importance of eco-friendly practices and biodiversity conservation when engaging in agricultural tourism integration as a way of promoting ecological sustainability in rural areas. Such evidence is essential to understanding the relation between agricultural tourism integration and rural ecological sustainability.